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INFORMATION GUIDE 2019/2020Shaping Young Lives

As you are probably aware, Woodkirk Academy is a popular and successful oversubscribed school where we have a very proud record in academic, intellectual, social, musical, sporting and community developments.

We pride ourselves on being a caring community with a positive ethos and a strong sense of purpose. We have an enviable reputation for being a happy, well-ordered community o�ering a wide variety of educational experiences for all students. Supportive and warm relationships, underpinned by outstanding discipline, enhance the positive atmosphere within the Academy.

We are committed to developing the ‘whole’ person and this has been externally recognised over the years by a number of other bodies such as the Sportsmark Award, Advanced Healthy Schools Status, the Stephen Lawrence Award and the Leeds Music Education Partnership Champion School Award. We believe that a �rst class education begins with an assurance of exemplary safety and behaviour, and we work very hard to establish this.

At the heart of our success is the high quality of classroom teaching. Our students are well motivated, with established, positive work habits. We have high expectations in all aspects of their work and behaviour. Woodkirk Academy has a strong team approach in all its endeavours, with tremendously hardworking and dedicated sta� whose energies are devoted to providing the best opportunities for all students. As such, examination performance in 2018 saw Woodkirk Academy with the highest attainment �gures in the south of Leeds and progress comfortably above the national average. Ofsted noted that ‘Across the school, teachers are very conscientious and highly committed. They create excellent relationships in lessons so that students enjoy their learning.’

A key strength of our school is our excellent Sixth Form. As the only school based sixth form locally, your son or daughter can be at Woodkirk Academy for seven years. Our Sixth Form is one of the largest and most successful Level 3 providers in the area, with departing Year 13 students going on to study a wide variety of courses in higher and further education, or securing apprenticeships and employment of their choice due to the superb education they received here.

Woodkirk’s investment in life beyond the classroom through careers, work experience, outdoor pursuits, community projects, �eld trips and foreign travel is recognised as being second to none. The success of our musical and drama productions are well known, as is our reputation for exceptional sporting achievements, fair play and the sheer joy of physical activity and games. The school has an excellent record of achieving a balance between academic and non-academic activities.

We aim to provide an outstanding education to all our students and this remains our �rst priority at all times. As part of our commitment, we have undertaken several refurbishment projects since becoming an Academy. This has given us a �rst rate Sixth Form facility, together with improved Design Technology and Business Studies areas and classrooms.

FOREWORDDear ParentOn behalf of the Local Governing Board and sta�, I would like to o�cially welcome you and your son/daughter to, and congratulate you on securing a place at, Woodkirk Academy.

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We have suited subjects together to allow students to learn in specialist environments and have a spacious Learning Resources Centre which provides an excellent study space for all students both through and beyond the school day. Our state of the art 3G pitch for Physical Education and refurbished Main Hall and stage, have allowed students access to the very best facilities to enhance their learning. We have replaced roofs and windows to further enhance the learning environment, as well as refurbishing a number of Science laboratories.

We have a committed and supportive Local Governing Board for Woodkirk Academy and a Board of Trustees for Leodis Academies Trust, where we work in partnership with East Ardsley, Hill Top, Westerton and Blackgates Primary Academies. A well-quali�ed, experienced and enthusiastic sta� and an active Friends of the School Association also ensure that students at Woodkirk are given every opportunity to excel.

We hope you will seek and retain maximum contact with us. We aim to maintain harmonious and fruitful relationships between students, home and school. Information Evenings, Parents’ Evenings and celebration events are all genuine ways to strengthen links between home and school and to support your son/daughter.

We hope your son/daughter will enjoy their time at Woodkirk Academy and that they will make gains in learning both academically and socially, and I look forward to you joining with us to achieve these goals.

Yours sincerelyJ Barton Principal

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At Woodkirk Academy we shape young lives and aim to:

• promote a secure and happy environment, in which each student can achieve - physically, mentally, socially and spiritually;

• encourage students to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge and to strive for the ful�lment of their potential both intellectually and creatively;

• develop students’ ability to form relationships at all levels and equip them to live a full and rewarding life in the wider community;

• foster con�dence, self-esteem and self-discipline;

• provide a secure and stable working environment by consistently seeking to improve the safety of Woodkirk Academy procedures and site, by the e�cient use of resources and by employing a well-trained and motivated workforce;

• provide an environment which promotes concern and respect for others and emphasises the importance of good citizenship;

• enable each student to follow a curriculum which is relevant, broad, balanced and stimulating and which is appropriate to each student’s understanding and skills; and

• provide partnerships with parents, other academies, schools, colleges and the wider community.

FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

The Governors and sta� at Woodkirk Academy are committed to these aims and their achievement through a well-balanced educational programme, which includes both the formal and informal aspects of Woodkirk Academy life.

All students are entitled to a rich and full educational experience which is achieved within a safe, happy, secure and thoughtful environment. By working closely with parents through school work, homework, extra-curricular activities and social contact, the Academy realises these educational aims.

Although nationally specialism has ended, Woodkirk Academy has retained many of the positive aspects of its former Science specialism to enhance learning opportunities and employment prospects for students. Since becoming an Academy, Woodkirk Academy has been able to o�er an extensive variety of resources to provide the very best for students in the classroom, after school and through a variety of educational visits.

On behalf of the Governing Board, I hope you will enjoy being associated with Woodkirk Academy over the coming years and that your son/daughter will become fully involved in all aspects of school life. It is important that they take full advantage of all the successful courses, fantastic activities and quality facilities available to them at this excellent school.

Steve AllestonChair of Governors

OUR AIMSEducation is concerned with all aspects of learning in all its various forms. Academies andschools have a particular responsibility to promote the intellectual, spiritual, moral, social, cultural, aesthetic and physical development of the young.


CHILD PROTECTION DESIGNATED STAFF

Mr N CookVice PrincipalHead of Years 7, 8 & 9

Mr D CurrieVice PrincipalHead of Years 10 & 11 CP Lead

Mr J LoweVice PrincipalQuality of Education Key Stage 3

Mrs L RobertsLeodis Support Services Manager

Miss N PowerLeodis Family Support Worker

Mrs A ScottLearning Mentor

Here at Woodkirk Academy, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. We expect all sta�, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment. It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play.

CHILD PROTECTION CO-ORDINATORS

The Child Protection Co-ordinators (the Designated Sta�) are:

You may contact them anytime during the Woodkirk Academy day.

SOCIAL CARE:

During O�ce hours: 0113 222 4403Social Care Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 0113 240 9536URGENT ACTION: Dial 999

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YEARS 7 AND 8In Years 7 and 8 we follow the National Curriculum. This means all students have a timetable that includes the core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and Computing, Physical Education and Religious Education, alongside others termed foundation subjects. Each subject has objectives known as ‘attainment targets’ and ‘programmes of study’ which will help students to achieve their targets.

All lower school students take a two-year basic course in:• English• Mathematics• Science• Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Computing• Careers Education• Religious Education/PSHRE• Geography• History• Modern Languages (French, German or Spanish) • Design Technology• Music/Performing Arts• Art• Physical Education (PE)

YEARS 9, 10 AND 11Key Stage 4 Pathways |At Woodkirk Academy, we believe that students have the right to be as successful as possible in many ways. It is true that quali�cations are important for life chances but it is equally important to make sure that our students develop into con�dent and responsible people who possess skills and qualities that extend beyond examinations. In Years 9, 10 and 11 we are committed to providing a learning experience that all students can enjoy, be motivated by and demonstrate excellent progress in their development.

THE CURRICULUMThe vast majority of the curriculum will be in the form of statutory subjects. By law, this currently means that all students will study:

English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Science, ICT and Computing, PE, PSHE, Careers and RE.

CURRICULUM


The remaining four periods of teaching time each week are made up of other subjects. Students will be advised which combination of subjects to choose. This is based on:• Study habits and attitude to learning • Previous achievement and attainment in individual subjects• Predicted outcomes at Level 2• Individual factors • Future aspirations

The courses we currently o�er as options are listed below. They provide the opportunity for students to study Level 1 and Level 2 quali�cations. We are constantly looking to o�er alternatives to personalise learning e�ectively and to make sure that, where possible, students can follow the courses of their choice.

• Art and Design• Business Studies• Child Development• Computing • Creative iMedia• Design Technology – Graphics• Design Technology – Hospitality and Catering• Design Technology – Product Design• Design Technology - Textiles• Geography• Health & Social Care • History• Music• Performing Arts• Physical Education• Sport• Religious Studies• Sociology• Travel & Tourism

OPTIONS


Post 16 students study either a traditional A Level course or a combination of A Level and BTEC Level 3 courses. In Year 12, students also follow a careers course which ensures that they are fully prepared for either the world of work or university after their advanced level studies. Throughout the Sixth Form, students have the opportunity to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, complete work experience placements and take part in a curriculum enrichment programme.

SIXTH FORM (YEARS 12 AND 13)

A LEVEL SUBJECTS AVAILABLE• Applied Science • Art & Design • Biology • Business Studies• Chemistry • English Lang/Lit combined• English Language • English Literature • Geography• Government & Politics • History • Law • Mathematics • Modern Languages ‘French’ • Modern Languages ‘German’ • Modern Languages ‘Spanish’• Music • Philosophy & Ethics • Physics • Product Design ‘Graphics’ • Product Design ‘Textiles’ • Psychology • Sociology

OTHER LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS• Art & Design• Business Studies• Health & Social Care• Law • Music • Performing Arts• Physical Education • Digital Media• Core Maths

GCSE• English & Mathematics re-sits


This table shows the allocation of time between the subjects taught throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 8) each fortnight

CURRICULUM CONTENT

Other important issues we teach are included in the PSHRE curriculum include:• Health Education (including Sex Education and Drug Education)• Careers Education• Environmental Education• Economic and Financial Understanding• Citizenship

These are also topics we reinforce in the assembly and form time programme.

Our departments are well resourced and skilled in delivering aspects of their own specialisms through ICT. This adds to the variety of teaching and learning styles. Woodkirk Academy has 14 specialist information technology rooms equipped with terminals, printers and modems to accommodate full teaching groups.

We also have an extensive computer network servicing all classrooms and all computers are subject to a �ltered Internet service.

Our Learning Resources Centre has considerable library and internet facilities, giving students the opportunity to learn in a more independent manner. This centre is complemented by additional facilities for our Sixth Form which are housed in a dedicated area.

Careers education is integral to our curriculum from Years 7 to Year 13. All students have access to an online careers programme (Fast Tomato and Unifrog) which helps students to explore the many di�erent career opportunities open to them. Our Careers Advisor is available weekly to meet with students to discuss their next steps and aspirations. In addition, we have numerous guest speakers and enrichment programmes to further knowledge and understanding of the workplace.

SUBJECT YEAR 7(HOURS TAUGHT)

YEAR 8(HOURS TAUGHT)

English 5 5Mathematics 6 6Science 6 6French/German/Spanish 6 6Design Technology 4 4ICT and Computing 2 2History 4 4Geography 4 4

Art 2 2Music/Performing Arts 3 3PSHRE 2 2PE 4 4

TOTAL HOURS 48 48


SEX EDUCATIONAt Woodkirk Academy, the Governors and Sta� are committed to ensuring all students are adequately prepared for their adult life, and sex education is a vital component of this preparation. Sex education is co-ordinated across the curriculum and it is essential that students acquire basic information to allow them to make informed, sensible decisions about their lives. Science and RE lessons plus Form Tutor time provide a forum for discussing issues such as contraception, abortion, family responsibilities and personal relationships alongside knowledge based learning. Our Sex and Relationships Education Policy is available on request.

The Education Act 2000 (DfE Sex and Relationship Education Guidance) gives parents the right to withdraw their son/daughter from any or all parts of an academy/school’s programme of sex education other than those elements which are required by the National Curriculum Science Order.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIPEach year group will have an assembly in the Main Hall, which includes a time for personal re�ection. Assemblies cover a wide range of social, moral, spiritual and cultural issues. We are encouraged that all students in our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Academy attend our assemblies. Additionally, each form meets with their Form Tutor every day, where students re�ect on the ‘Thought for the Day’.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONReligious Education is non-denominational and is based on the ‘Leeds Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education’. Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 have a RE lesson each week. The curriculum in Years 7 to 11 is a mix of RE, PSHE, Careers and Citizenship.

If you wish to withdraw your son/daughter from speci�c RE lessons or from acts of collective worship, you must contact the Principal in writing. Study time can be provided if required however, parents must provide any specialist or religious literature. Students cannot be withdrawn from PSHE or Citizenship.

FORM TUTOR TIMEStudents will be in a group of approximately 30 students of the same age group. Form Tutors will monitor student planners and work with students to maintain excellent standards of punctuality, attendance and behaviour. Students will also complete a programme in Form Tutor time to enhance their personal development. The Form Tutor will focus on monitoring the progression of learning, target setting and reviewing, in addition to providing support, care and guidance for all students in the group.

ORGANISATION OF TEACHING GROUPSWoodkirk Academy is organised into eleven forms on entry. Year 7 is set in some subjects and also taught in mixed ability groups for others. All other years are grouped in ability sets across the majority of subjects on the timetable. Students may therefore be in di�erent groups or sets throughout the week. In Years 9 to 13, students have individualised timetables re�ecting their option choices.


SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITY PROVISIONWoodkirk Academy has a Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator (SENDCo) with responsibilities throughout the Academy. Students with SEND are fully integrated within classes and taught alongside fellow peers. Learning Support Assistants usually accompany those with an Educational Health Care Plan in order to give additional support within the classroom.

The SENDCo and Leodis Support Team liaise closely with primary feeder schools so that the needs of students can be identi�ed and appropriate preparation can be made both during the transition period and upon starting Year 7. Whilst in Key Stage 3, some students with SEND may be selected to attend a series of catch-up lessons for both Literacy and Numeracy where a need has been identi�ed.

SCHOOL REPORTS AND PARENTS’ EVENINGSEach year there are several occasions when you will receive

information about your son/daughter’s progress, behaviour and attendance. The reports indicate the attitude to learning, e�ort and quality of work produced in each subject as well as indicating

how the student is progressing with their learning. There is also information relating to attendance and merits included within the reports.

You will be able to access secure online information about attendance, behaviour and academic progress through the OPT system. We will update this information regularly to keep you up-to-date with your son/daughter’s learning and development. Details of how to access the OPT reporting system will be given at the Induction Evening.

There is a Parents’ Evening each year where you will have the opportunity to discuss with subject teachers your son/daughter’s progress. Please note that appointments can only be made via our online booking system.

INFORMATION EVENINGWe hold a Year 7 Parents’ Information Evening early in the Autumn Term, where you will be given information about the curriculum, after school clubs and other Woodkirk Academy events. The purpose of this Evening is not to discuss the progress of individual students but to provide you with an informative overview.

Information Evenings also take place for other year groups during the year. These are valuable opportunities for parents to understand the curriculum the students are following and how to support them during their time at Woodkirk Academy.

PASTORAL CAREWoodkirk Academy is a large establishment and it is vital that each student has a happy, stable and secure environment. The Form Tutor is the vital �rst link in our pastoral care system. The Form Tutor works closely with the Assistant Year Tutors, Year Tutors and Vice Principals: Behaviour and Safety.

REWARDS AND INCENTIVESWe encourage high standards of performance, behaviour and self-discipline through positive rewards. Good attendance will also be formally recognised. ‘Attendance Certi�cates’ will be awarded, on a termly and yearly basis, to students with 100% attendance.

Merit Awards and Subject Prizes will be presented at Woodkirk Academy’s annual Awards Evening and Merit Assembly. All students in Years 7 – 10 will be entitled to receive a reward.

As part of the rewards package, students could be o�ered:• ‘Jump the lunch queue’ passes.• Positive referrals which are sent to a parent’s

mobile via the My Ed app.• Free breakfast.• Postcards.• Positive letters to parents.• Love2Shop vouchers.


DISCIPLINEWoodkirk Academy is a well-organised and disciplined community. We take ‘good discipline’ to be the expression of acceptable behaviour by students who understand that the obvious way to live is to act sensibly and correctly because it is the proper and natural way to act in a busy community.

Good behaviour comes from having interest, care and concern in schoolwork together with a bright, cheerful attitude and an open concern for the welfare of others. Wearing Woodkirk Academy uniform/dress correctly undoubtedly helps to create good standards of behaviour.

Co-operation and trust between Woodkirk Academy and parents is the best method of dealing with any problems that may arise.

In the vast majority of cases, the professional skill of teachers can solve most disciplinary problems. If sanctions have to be used, the obvious way is through extra work in a student’s own time. Woodkirk Academy has the legal right to detain students for an extra session of work after 3.00pm. Parents will be given notice, in the planner, if their son/daughter is to be detained for any reason.

The most serious punishment is the exclusion of a student from Woodkirk Academy, however, this is extremely rare.

A copy of the Student Behaviour and Discipline Policy is available on the Woodkirk Academy website. It is also available on request and there is a summary in the student planner.

We are proud to work with West Yorkshire Police and we employ a Safer Schools’ O�cer three days per week.

MY EDAt Woodkirk Academy we have a fantastic way to communicate and share information with you, our parent community. We want you to feel as much a part of your son/daughter’s education as possible. With the increased use of smart phone technology, we want parents to make the best use of it.

My Ed is the free parent app that gives you a multitude of communication and information features to stay in touch with what is going on at school. The app gives you direct access to your son/daughter’s attendance, timetable, absence records, achievements, and much, much more. You will also see that we update and change the information in the app as the school year moves along.

We are able to send you important messages about your son/daughter’s education directly to the My Ed app and remind you of events that are taking place at school.

You will receive a noti�cation if we send you a message. There is no charge for the messages you send to us.

The My Ed app is available now for both Apple iOS and Android devices and can be found on either the Apple App Store or on Google Play by searching for My Ed.

Once you have installed and opened My Ed, search for Woodkirk Academy and follow the simple instructions to identify yourself.

We hope you �nd the app a useful source of information.

Scan Me


STUDENT PLANNERYour son/daughter will receive a planner at the start of every new academic year; it is their responsibility to look after it. It must remain neat and tidy and gra�ti free, otherwise they will need to replace it at a cost of £4.50.

This planner is intended to help them organise their time properly and record information which is useful to them, especially homework records, special achievements and important events.

The planner is a means of communication between students, Form/Personal Tutors, subject teachers and parents. It is vital to keep it up-to-date and complete all relevant sections. The weekly parental signature is one of the most important features of the whole process as it completes the link between all the people who help students to plan and manage their time, and we ask all parents to follow this procedure.

If properly used, the planner plays a major role in any student’s success at Woodkirk Academy.

HOMEWORK POLICYHomework is viewed as a crucial factor in extending learning and promoting independent work habits. In order to ensure that work during the day is fully understood, homework naturally supports and extends the classroom curriculum. As a guide, students in Year 7 and Year 8 should work at least one hour each night, although this is usually spread over the week. By the time students are following GCSE courses this should be on average two to two and a half hours each night.

Homework for Years 7 and 8 will be in the form of extended projects for some subjects. Students will receive a handbook in September outlining each of the projects and the introduction and deadline dates. The class teacher will provide further guidance and support for each project.

Homework for PE and Music/Performing Arts will be in the form of the students taking part in an after school activity for 6 weeks. There will be a variety of di�erent activities available so students can choose at least one they would most enjoy. We strongly encourage students to take a greater part in the life of Woodkirk Academy by being involved in clubs and groups outside the normal school day.

Homework for English, Maths and Art will follow a weekly timetable. This will be given to students in September.

All students are encouraged to read as much as possible and to borrow books from our Learning Resources Centre and public libraries.

If your son/daughter misses their project or homework deadlines they will be subject to four days of homework support, for one hour each day after the normal Woodkirk Academy day. We will send you a letter advising you of this. Sanctions will be imposed if they fail to attend.


CHANGE OF ADDRESS/CONTACT DETAILSPlease inform us as soon as possible of any change of address, mobile or landline telephone number and/or the main home email address. You can write to Mrs J Hudson, Administrator, at the school address or [email protected] alternatively, you can use the ‘Contact Us’ form on the Woodkirk Academy website. It is very important that our records are up-to-date.

BIOMETRIC CASHLESS SYSTEMWoodkirk Academy operates a Biometric Cashless System for students who want to purchase meals before the start of the day (breakfast), at break and at lunchtime. An automatic daily limit of £5 is set to your son/daughter’s account but this can be increased/decreased by contacting the catering department in school.

This system is very successful in allowing students to be served more e�ciently and quickly. It provides complete con�dentiality for students entitled to free school meals, plus it ensures the money you provide for meals is used for that purpose only.

We are sensitive to the concerns that parents have with the information held about their son/daughter and the use made of it and we assure you this data cannot be abused or used in the wrong way. The system takes a �ngerprint image and changes it into a numerical code. No �nger print image is left on the system and the code cannot be reinterpreted back into an individual’s �ngerprint. Access to this information is restricted and the stored numerical code can never be viewed as anything other than a string of numbers. This data is destroyed when a student leaves Woodkirk Academy. Please sign and return the biometric consent letter attached to the Admission Form.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCERegular attendance is crucial for all students. Our attendance rates at Woodkirk Academy are outstanding at over 96%; very few of our students miss school.Report Student Absence – No later than 9.00amTelephone: 0113 887 3602Email: [email protected] for free via the MyEd app

• Should your son/daughter be absent from school we request you inform us of the reason for absence, using the details above or via the MyEd app no later than 9.00am. A member of the Attendance Team is available to discuss this from 8.00am. However, a message can be left on our voicemail before this time or if we are busy on another call.

• As a safeguarding measure, any student who does not receive a mark in registration and is not found to be in school is reported to parents to ensure they are safe and well and have not gone missing on the way to school. Please ensure you inform us

if you change your contact details so you can receive the messages we send.

• A daily telephone call is requested for students, with an update of their illness, and we would ask that a Medical Note from a GP is provided for a prolonged absence of 5 days or more.

• I f your son/daughter has an on-going Medical Condition or has su�ered an injury which a�ects their mobility please contact us to discuss the nature of the illness and we will support you to ensure that this has limited impact on their education.

APPOINTMENTS IN SCHOOL TIME• We politely request that, where possible, appointments in school

time are NOT taken.• We appreciate that at times this is unavoidable and, in such

instances, we ask that appointments are kept to the beginning and end of the school day.

• Appointments will NOT be authorised for full days unless there are exceptional circumstances.

• Should a student have an appointment, please ensure they have a letter to con�rm the date and time and that they collect and complete an ‘exit permit’, located in Student Services to be signed by their Year Tutor/Vice Principal. Alternatively, you may wish to call and speak to a member of the Attendance Team.

• Please be aware that without con�rmation from home we cannot authorise the absence.

• Please note, if appointments are taken for a full morning or full afternoon, this will a�ect their percentage attendance.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE• We are aware there are di�erent days for celebration and,

therefore, it is the responsibility of parents to inform school of the date their son/daughter will be absent from school for religious observance.

• Without con�rmation from parents this absence will NOT be authorised.

• Please be aware that Woodkirk Academy will authorise only ONE day for each religious observance. Even though this is an authorised absence, it will a�ect the percentage attendance of your son/daughter.


HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME• Due to changes in Education Regulations 2006, holidays in term

time can no longer be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances. A written request must be sent to the Principal via the Attendance O�ce and this will be discussed on an individual basis. Emails can be sent to [email protected]

• A written request must be submitted detailing the exceptional circumstances for absence and the expected dates that the holiday will be taken. You will receive written con�rmation from school informing you if the holiday is authorised or not.

• Any absence for holidays in term time which has not been authorised, and is for 5 days or more, may result in the issue of a Penalty Notice.

• The notice incurs a �ne of £60 per student and is issued by Leeds City Council once the student has returned to school, to each parent who has responsibility for taking the child on holiday. If the �ne is not paid with 21 days it will increase to a cost of £120 and if this remains unpaid after 28 days of the initial issue, the case will be referred to the Magistrates Court.

• Please note, authorised or unauthorised holidays a�ect the percentage attendance of your son/daughter.

PUNCTUALITY• School is open to students from 8.00am. All students should be

in school and in their Form Time by 8.50am.• Students arriving after 9.10am will be coded as an unauthorised

absence, (U code on registers) unless prior notice has been given. • We ask that you contact school if your son/daughter will be

arriving late, giving a reason and an expected arrival time.• Should a student receive two late stamps in a week, or three over

a half-term, they will be issued with an after school detention.• If they accumulate six or more late marks students will have to

register daily in the Pupil Support Area (PSA) and remain there for the whole day followed by a detention at the end of that day.

PERSISTENT ABSENCE• Changes to the threshold for Persistent Absence made by the

Department For Education (DFE) from September 2015 state 10% absence requires challenge to the expectations of students and a need to raise standards.

• Students with an attendance rate below 90% who are classed as being persistently absent from school will be monitored as part of the Woodkirk Academy Fast–Track system (see our website for more details)

• Please contact the Attendance O�ce on 0113 8873602 should you require any support with issues a�ecting your son/daughter’s ability to attend school.

% ATTENDANCE OVER THE WHOLE YEAR

= DAYS MISSED = WEEKS MISSED = NUMBER OF

LESSONS MISSED

ABSENCE OVER

5 YEARS

95 10 days 2 weeks 50 ¼ year90 19 days 4 weeks 100 ½ year80 38 days 8 weeks 200 1 year70 57 days 11.5 weeks 287 1 ½ years60 80 days 16 weeks 400 2 years50 100 days 20 weeks 500 2 ½ years


We believe that Woodkirk Academy uniform plays an important role in creating unity and in maintaining the high standards of appearance which we expect from all our students. Parents are asked to support our policy on uniform and appearance.

All items of uniform should be clearly marked with your son/daughter’s full name.

WOODKIRK ACADEMY UNIFORM

GIRLS BOYS

Trousers andSkirts

Black polyester cotton. No leggings. Trousers should be full length, and worn above the hips. Trousers must be loose �tting, particularly below the knee where they must not cling to the leg at all. No visible logos, jean style pockets or additional zips (other than the �y). Tailored o�ce style trousers should be worn. Skirts must be plain black, not patterned, textured or denim. Skirts must be worn close to the knee at all times. Very tight �tting, elasticated or tube style skirts are not appropriate for school and will not be allowed. The style of skirt worn should ensure that they remain at the appropriate length when walking and do not ride up the leg.

Trousers Plain dark grey or black, polyester cotton. Trousers should be full length and worn above the hips. Trousers must be loose �tting, particularly below the knee where they must not cling to the leg at all. No visible logos or jean style pockets or additional zips (other than the �y).

PLEASE NOTE, NO JEANS, CHINOS OR TIGHT FITTING/SKINNY-FIT TROUSERS.NOT ALL TROUSERS AND SKIRTS SOLD IN THE UNIFORM SECTION OF SHOPS ARE SUITABLE FOR WOODKIRK ACADEMY.

Belts If worn, should be plain black or brown in colour with no large buckles or logos.

Belts If worn, should be plain black or brown in colour with no large buckles or logos.

Blouse Plain light blue or white, not aertex or sports shirts.Blouses must be worn tucked in at all times and should, therefore, be of a suitable length. Blouses must be worn and fastened close to the neck, above the ‘V’ of the jumper.

Shirt Plain light blue or white, not polo or sports shirts.Shirts must be worn tucked into trousers at all times and should, therefore, be a suitable length. They must be worn buttoned to the neck. Short sleeved shirts may be worn but must not be rolled up to the shoulder.

Vests/ Tee-Shirts

Optional in inclement weather. Should be white in colour only and not visible with top button on blouse fastened when worn.

Vests/ Tee-Shirts

Optional in inclement weather. Should be white in colour only and not visible with top button on shirt fastened when worn.

Jumper Plain, single colour, royal-blue V-neck with year group stripe and Woodkirk Academy crest. It must not be worn tucked into skirts or trousers. Jumpers must be worn at all times unless speci�c permission is given otherwise.

Jumper Plain, single colour, royal-blue V-neck with year group stripe and Woodkirk Academy crest. It must not be worn tucked into skirts or trousers. Jumpers must be worn at all times unless speci�c permission is given otherwise.

Tie Year group Woodkirk Academy tie (optional). Tie Compulsory year group Woodkirk Academy tie which must be worn fastened to the neck with a single knot. The sewing on the tie should not be unpicked. It must be worn as purchased.

Socks Plain colours only and worn above the ankle. Brightly coloured socks are not allowed. PE socks must not be worn outside of PE lessons.

Socks Plain colours only and worn above the ankle. Brightly coloured socks are not allowed. PE socks must not be worn outside of PE lessons.


The training shoe rule will be strictly adhered to and only students with previously agreed medical conditions, agreed by a medical professional, will be allowed to wear plain black training shoes or pumps. THEY MUST BE COMPLETELY BLACK, INCLUDING THE SOLES. Students must arrive and leave school in their full school uniform, unless in extra-curricular activities, ie Sports.

In severe weather, students may walk to Woodkirk Academy in suitable footwear but must change into shoes before the start of the day, unless Mr Currie, Mr Cook, Mr Jones or Mrs Barton have given permission otherwise. At all other times students must arrive and leave Woodkirk Academy in full uniform. Students must not change into alternative footwear at the end of the school day.

Trousers must not be tucked into shoes or socks at any time.

Coats must be placed in bags or lockers during lesson and tutor time, wherever possible.

Bags should be designed to carry the student’s equipment. Fashion handbags will not be deemed suitable.

All items of uniform/dress should be clearly marked with the student’s full name. If it is handed in, it cannot be returned if we do not know who it belongs to.

It is your son/daughter’s responsibility to look after their belongings. The Academy will not be responsible for any items which are lost.

Woodkirk Academy’s approved uniform provider is:Smart Uniforms1-3 CheapsideBradford RoadBatleyWF17 5NDTelephone: 01924 442294Email: [email protected]

Woodkirk Academy has the �nal say on suitability onany aspect relating to uniform.

GIRLS BOYS

Tights Natural or black

Shoes Black full shoes only, with no elaborate patterns, logos or decorative elements.No canvas, backless or high-heeled shoes.No training or trainer style shoes or boots.Shoelaces must be black and fastened appropriately.Walking boot style boot/shoes/laces are not suitable for school.

Shoes Black full shoes only, with no patterns, logos or decorative elements.No canvas or backless shoes.No training or trainer style shoes or boots.Shoelaces must be black and fastened appropriately.Walking boot style boot/shoes/laces are not suitable for school.

Apron For Art/Craft Work and Food Technology. Apron For Art/Craft Work and Food Technology.

Outdoor wear No coats, hats, scarves or hoods to be worn in the classrooms. No hoods or hats to be worn inside the buildings. Baseball caps are deemed unsuitable and should, therefore, not be worn on Woodkirk Academy grounds. No denim. Coats, sweatshirts or hoodies MUST NOT be worn in place of the school jumper.

Outdoor wear No coats, hats, scarves or hoods to be worn in the classrooms. No hoods or hats to be worn inside the buildings. Baseball caps are deemed unsuitable and should, therefore, not be worn on Woodkirk Academy grounds. No denim. Coats, sweatshirts or hoodies MUST NOT be worn in place of the school jumper.


JEWELLERY AND MAKE-UPGirls can wear one pair of small earrings, worn in the lower earlobe only, and one earring in each ear. Tragus or earrings in any other part of the ear are not allowed. Earrings should be silver or gold in colour and the size of a small sleeper or stud. Students may wear a watch and one charity band. No other jewellery is allowed.

Facial and body piercings of any type, with the exception of girls’ earrings, are NOT allowed due to health and safety reasons.

Tooth jewels are not deemed suitable for Woodkirk Academy and should not be worn at any time.

Sta� have the right to con�scate other items of jewellery if the rules are not adhered to. These items may be made available for collection by an adult, at an agreed time during Woodkirk Academy hours.

Make-up of any description is not allowed. Woodkirk Academy retains the right to ask students to remove any make-up. Fake tan and false eye lashes are not allowed and if not able to be removed will result in the student being placed in isolation. Repeated o�enders may be sent home and parents will be asked to come into school to collect their son/daughter.

Part shaven, totally shaven eyebrows or eyebrows which are drawn on are not deemed suitable for Woodkirk Academy.

Nail varnish and false nails are not deemed suitable for Woodkirk Academy for health and safety reasons and should not be worn at any time. Students will remain in isolation until they are removed.

HAIRHair style, length and colouring must be suitable for Woodkirk Academy and must not draw particular attention to the individual. Hair must be blended with no largely contrasting lengths. ‘Undercut’ hair is not suitable and will not be allowed.

All students:• Part shaven styles will not be allowed even if Grade 3 or above.• Grade 3 is the minimum acceptable length for hair.• Hair must be one natural colour.• Highlights are not allowed.• Elaborately braided, beaded or extended styles should not

be worn.• Hair extensions must not be worn.• Large and elaborate hair decorations are not allowed and must

not be worn in school.• For boys, hair must be no longer than their shirt collar.Students who ignore these rules will be placed in isolation until their hair is of a suitable length or style.

Woodkirk Academy accepts natural variations in hair colour but not as a result of hair being dyed/highlighted. Year Tutors and the Vice Principals for Behaviour and Safety will monitor this daily.

Students must adhere to the uniform policy in order to attend mainstream lessons.

DRINKSHigh-energy drinks or drinks with high sugar content and/or ca�eine levels are banned across Woodkirk Academy.

MOBILE PHONESMobile phones are not allowed. If found, phones will be con�scated and made available to an appropriate adult at the end of the following school day at the earliest. Phones con�scated on a Friday will not be available until 8.30am on the following Monday (Tuesday if the 3rd or more occasion). This rule will be applied without exception. Please note the reception closes at 5.00pm Monday - Thursday and 4.30pm on Fridays.

If a mobile phone is con�scated for a third or more occasion, the period of con�scation will increase to 48 hours. The period of con�scation is during working days only. Students will also be sanctioned.

SMART WATCHES/ELECTRONIC DEVICESWith the increasing sale of Smart watches/electronic devices, we know that some students may be considering the purchase of one of the latest devices. These include many of the functions of mobile phones such as texting and access to the internet. There could also be recording facilities such as cameras or microphones. (Technology is evolving all the time).

Any device worn in school must not:• Have the capability of taking photographs and recording sound

and/or video.• Allow text messages to be sent.• Allow access to the internet or any social media apps.


Whilst we recognise that these devices (with the facility to record) and mobile phones are part of modern society, we do not feel that they have a place in school. Our existing policy around the use of mobile technology has played an important role in dramatically improving standards at Woodkirk Academy, ensuring that young people remain focused in lessons and kept safe from anti-social online behaviour.

For full details of Woodkirk Academy’s sanctions, please see the Behaviour & Discipline Policy on our website – Parents / Behaviour & Safety.

LOCKERSAs Lockers are expensive and must be treated with care and respect to avoid damage. There is a designated member of sta� in charge of the use of all the lockers in Woodkirk Academy and any problems must be reported immediately to Student Services. The locker remains the property of the Academy at all times and must be returned immediately if required. There is a charge of £5 for the use of a locker for �ve years. Please make payment using your ParentPay account in September. Please note, due to the demand for lockers, they will start to be issued from the beginning of October.

EQUIPMENTAll Year 7 students are advised that they will need their own Languages Dictionary and Scienti�c Calculator (Casio fx-83GTX) which will see them through their time at Woodkirk Academy. These can be bought directly from the Academy at a price of £6.99 and £8.50 respectively. Payment for each item is to be made using your ParentPay account in September.

LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE (LRC)The Learning Resources Centre is open Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 4.00pm and Friday 8.00am - 3.00pm. Students from all year groups can use the LRC to do their homework before and after school, and at break

Each year group can also use the LRC one day a week at lunchtime. For Year 7 students this is Monday.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESEach year Woodkirk Academy organises many clubs, societies and activities, which take place outside normal school hours. We are very proud of our extra-curricular programme and see these activities as an important and integral part of school life. A full extra-curricular programme will be published early in the Autumn Term, which will re�ect student demand.

TRIPSWe have a large number of trips and visits. Below is a sample of the experiences students may access.

The ski trip left Woodkirk Academy during the February half-term holiday and �ew to Sestriere in Italy where the students enjoyed some fantastic ski conditions. The 2020 ski trip will see students jetting o� to Ban� in Canada during the Easter half-term.

Our annual European Music trip is always a successful and popular event. This year, the students will be travelling to Normandy, France and previous years have seen them visit Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy.

The Maths Department took Year 8 students to Paris which included visits to the science museum where students conducted a number of intense mathematical investigations; a full day in Disneyland analysing the speed and force of roller coasters; measuring the height of the Ei�el Tower and understanding the mathematics which were fundamental in its construction and structure. They also took Year 13 Students to New York during May half-term which included a guided walking tour around Wall Street, a visit to the Empire State Building, a Broadway Show plus ice skating and a tour of Central Park.

The English Department brought novels to life with residential trips to London to watch Othello and Macbeth and a number of trips to local theatres to see Romeo & Juliet, Matilda and A Christmas Carol.

During March and April, Years 9 and 10 students set o� to carry out their Duke of Edinburgh assessment, the Year 9s to achieve their Bronze award and the Year 10s their Silver award.

During May and June, Years 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to take part in weekend residentials. This year, Year 8 visited Condover Hall in Shropshire. Year 7 will visit Ilam Hall Youth Hostel near Ashbourne. There are lots of land and water based activities, including quad biking, archery, and raft building.

The Geography Department have had trips to York and Leeds for GCSE and Scarborough and Leeds at A Level. The A Level trip involved an overnight stay in Scarborough.

We also organise a number of theatre visits, trips, outings, �eldwork excursions and residential experiences as well as the annual rewards trip which this year saw students enjoy a day at Flamingoland.


We are particularly proud of our excellent music tradition and the large number of students who play musical instruments, which is now in excess of 300.

Visiting instrumental teachers provide tuition on the following, for which there is a termly charge:

Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello and Double BassWoodwind: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone and BassoonBrass: Cornet, Trumpet, Tenor Horn, French Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone and TubaPercussion: Drum Kit and tuned percussion Voice: Classical and popular stylesGuitar: Electric, bass, acoustic guitar and ukulele Keyboard: Keyboard and piano.

Students also have the opportunity to take theory lessons to enable them to achieve Grade 6 and above on their instrument.

Ensemble work for musicians is provided within Woodkirk Academy’s bands, which include a concert band, string group, brass band, orchestra, soul band and Lower and Upper School Choirs. There is also the opportunity for student pop bands to book out practice rooms at the end of the day.

The Music and Performing Arts Department o� er the opportunity for all Key Stage 3 students to take part in an extended learning activity as part of their homework project. Activities include Musical Theatre, music tech club, choir, orchestra, ukulele and keyboard. Students also get the opportunity to learn the keyboard and ukulele in their weekly music class.

We provide our own bands and ensembles for our annual concerts and musical productions. There are ample opportunities for ensemble and individual performance in our assemblies and the various functions that take place during the year. The Music Department organises an annual residential to allow the extra-curricular groups to perform to audiences abroad and the community. Visits have included France, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Luxembourg.

Our choir rehearses regularly and musicians and non-musicians are encouraged to join in this valuable contribution to our musical activities. There is an Upper and Lower School Choir. The choirs often take part in competitions and concerts within the community.

Students are encouraged to prepare for Associated Board examinations, which take place at the Wake� eld Centre; provision is made for the aural and theory work as required.

Students have the opportunity to study GCSE Music, A Level Music and BTEC Level 3 Music. The Department also o� ers BTEC Performing Arts at Levels 2 and 3. Resources for the department include a Technology Centre fully equipped with computers and a 24 track mixing desk, alongside a dedicated ICT suite.

One of our strengths is the importance we give to dance, mime, drama and theatre. We like the public to see our students at work whenever possible, either in the Drama Studio or on the stage in the Main Hall. These include regular shows to ‘showcase’ students work in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.

We have a reputation for our annual production, making our own outstanding stage sets and organising sound, lighting, electronic and special e� ects of a high order to enhance the performance of our students’ excellence.

In recent years, the following musicals have been produced2013 Phantom of the Opera 2014 Starlight Express2015 Addams Family2016 Ghost the Musical 2017 Billy Elliott2018 Legally Blonde the Musical2019 Chicago.

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS


Many parents ask about PE provision at Woodkirk Academy. We have always had a tremendous commitment to PE and games and have a team of specialist teachers, together with other sta� members who help with teams. We have a large number of competitive games played and are particularly pleased with the participation levels of Years 7, 8 and 9 students before school, at lunchtime and after school.

Core O� er – all students in Years 7 to 9 have two one-hour periods of physical education each week. Teaching and pathway groups are taught predominantly in single sex groups. All students in Years 10 and 11 have core lessons alongside GCSE/BTEC option choices. Your son/daughter will be a member of a ‘house’ in PE and the blocks of work are planned around the house competitions that take place for two weeks after every block.

Years 7 and 8 – students follow a programme which covers the following areas of work: gymnastics, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby league, table tennis, dance, basic skills, problem solving, � tness, and leadership.

Year 9 – students follow a programme which covers the following areas of work: athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, organising, rounders, rugby and table tennis.

Year 10 – most of the pathways o� ered are similar to those available in the � rst three years. Other activities include: volleyball, softball, weight training, aerobics, step aerobics, minor games and dance. We take into consideration students’ likes and dislikes to adjust the programme accordingly which has lead us to introduce an options programme into the summer term.

Year 11 – o� ered an options programme where students choose the activities they wish to take for each block of work.

OUR FACILITIES INCLUDE:• A 3G Astroturf – full size football pitch which can be split into

three smaller pitches, and is also suitable for rugby.• Sports Hall – a large modern hall with seating area which can be

divided into two teaching areas and includes all facilities and equipment for the following: basketball, cricket, golf, � ve-a-side soccer, indoor tennis, indoor athletics, netball, volleyball, indoor hockey, badminton (four courts), table tennis and changing rooms.

• A gymnasium - a small basketball court.• Woollin Hall – 300 square metres, all-purpose indoor area, (2

basketball courts).• A � tness room.• Playing � elds - two rugby pitches, two soccer pitches, a large

all-weather area, arti� cial wicket, two netball courts and � ve tennis courts.

• A hall used for dance and aerobics. • A dance and drama studio.

Inter-school Sport – we have an outstanding record in this area and o� er as many of our students as possible the opportunity to represent Woodkirk Academy. Many go on to gain representative honours. The PE Department, along with other members of sta� , help to run teams from Year 7 to Year 13 in all the major games. Inter-form/house competitions and tournaments are a regular feature of Academy life.

The PE Department annually publishes complete lists of all sports and games results.

We also o� er activities before and after school most days which students have the opportunity to attend. Students in Years 7 and 8 and those taking PE as examination subjects attend at least twelve sessions before school, at lunch or after school before Easter and another six after Easter.

We work closely with a number of primary schools providing tuition and regularly hold competitions at the Academy. This also provides opportunities for our Sports Leaders (students) to work with Primary pupils.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION


PHYSICAL EDUCATION KIT REQUIREMENTS • Students must bring their full and correct PE kit to all

lessons even if excused from full participation and are advised to bring additional items of clothing if the weather is cold or wet. Please ensure all items of clothing have the students name marked on them.

• If there are any medical reasons or a doctor has advised the student not to take part then a student needs to bring a note in their planner and a risk assessment will be undertaken to determine what they can and can’t do.

• The teacher will use their professional judgement for those students with illnesses and injuries as to what they can and can’t do and it may be appropriate that they o� ciate, analyse performance, evaluate, score or assist others.

• If a student loses their PE kit or is unable to bring their kit, a suitable alternative kit should be brought with a note in their planner, explaining this.


YEARS 7 & 8 GIRLS’ KIT YEARS 7 & 8 BOYS’ KIT

Indoor Compulsory• White polo shirt with blue trim• Royal blue shorts• Royal blue socks or white PE socks• Suitable clean trainers

Indoor Compulsory• White polo shirt with blue trim• Plain white shorts• White socks• Suitable clean trainers

Outdoor Compulsory• As above with the additions of:- • Navy blue sweatshirt with Woodkirk Academy logo• Football boots: ideally moulded although metal studs and

blades can be used but are not recommended• Trainers are not allowed on the 3G

Outdoor Compulsory• Royal blue reversible rugby shirt• Royal blue shorts and socks• Football boots, ideally moulded although metal studs and blades

can be used but are not recommended• Trainers are not allowed on the 3G

Indoor/Outdoor Optional• Navy blue, grey or black sports leggings

Indoor/Outdoor Optional• Navy blue sweatshirt with Woodkirk Academy logo

Additional Indoor/Outdoor Optional• Navy blue jacket with Woodkirk Academy logo.• Navy blue, grey or black tracksuit bottoms.• Navy, grey or black under armour.• Any plain suitable top can be worn under the Woodkirk Academy polo shirt or Rugby shirt if outside.• Towel.

The compulsory kit for Years 9 & 10 is the same as Years 7 & 8.

• Any suitable plain navy, grey or black sweatshirt can be worn inside and outside

The compulsory kit for Year 11 is the same as Years 7 to 10

• Any suitable plain sweatshirt, tracksuit top and bottoms can be worn inside and outside.

Examination groups

• Those who undertake PE examination classes and have purchased the recommended clothing for the course may wear it for core PE lessons.

School teams and clubs

Those students who represent the teams and clubs and have purchased the team clothing may wear it for outside core PE lessons.

• All jewellery must be removed before leaving the changing rooms for the safety of all those taking part.• We advise that students do not bring any expensive jewellery when they have PE lessons.• Aerosol sprays are not allowed at Woodkirk Academy and will be con�scated.• For safety reasons longer hair must be tied back. This should be done in the changing room and remain tied back until returning to

the changing room.• Students who are observing Ramadan are still expected to take part in or contribute to their PE lesson and are still expected to take

part and contribute to their PE lesson. They must, therefore, wear their full PE kit.• It is advised to wear shin pads for football and a mouth guard for hockey and rugby.


Form Time/Assembly 8.50am – 9.10am

Period 1 9.10am – 10.10am

Period 2 10.10am – 11.10am

Break 11.10am – 11.25am

Period 3 11.25am – 12.25pm

Period 4 Two lunch sittings 11.25am –2.00pm11.25am –1.00pm11.55am –1.30pm

Lunch – 1st sittingLunch – 2nd sitting

Period 5(Monday-Thursday)Students in Years 7-10 will �nish at 2.00pm on Fridays. Students in Year 11 and Sixth Form will �nish at 3.00pm

2.00pm – 3.00pm

ACADEMY DAYStudents must be on the Woodkirk Academy site by 8.45am

WOODKIRK ACADEMY CALENDARACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020

Holiday The Academy closes The Academy opens

Summer Wednesday 4 September 2019

Autumn mid-term Friday 25 October 2019 Monday 4 November 2019

Christmas Friday 20 December 2019 Monday 6 January 2020

Spring mid-term Friday 14 February 2020 Monday 24 February 2020

Easter Friday 3 April 2020 Monday 20 April 2020

May Bank Holiday Thursday 7 May 2020 Monday 11 May 2020

Summer mid-term Friday 22 May 2020 Monday 1 June 2020

Summer Friday 20 July 2020

TRAINING DAYSMonday 2 September 2019Tuesday 3 September 2019Monday 20 July 2020Plus two more to be con�rmed at a later date


TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTSStudents are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to and from Woodkirk Academy. There are various buses provided, which cover most areas of Woodkirk Academy’s catchment area. Car parking on site is very limited. Students are not allowed to bring vehicles onto the Woodkirk Academy site. Visitors to Woodkirk Academy may park in any available space on the Visitors’ Car Park located on the front drive, except those marked with reserved notices.

If you bring your son/daughter to and from Woodkirk Academy by car, we have a pedestrian exit on Scarborough Street as well as the main Rein Road exit.

We kindly inform all students and parents that gated access via the Scarborough Lane entrance will be closed and locked at 9.00am for the duration of the school day and again at 5.00pm each evening. As such, the Rein Road entrance/exit is the only operating access during the school day and after 5.00pm. Thank you for your co-operation.

We ask that you consider the residents in this area and do not obstruct access to properties. To alleviate problems on Rein Road parents can park on the playground between 2.50pm and 2.55pm but must wait there until 3.10pm, when most buses have left the site, before exiting the site themselves. We request that you drop your son/daughter o� at the bottom of the drive in the mornings on Health and Safety grounds.

Students can obtaining their half fare passes before term starts. Parents should be aware that the buses are not run by Woodkirk Academy and we have no control over them. Any queries, i.e. buses not turning up etc., parents need to contact the bus companies to complain and also inform the school who will also contact the bus company to place a complaint.

The timetable below shows the current Woodkirk Academy/school bus services available.

MORNINGRoute No

WA108.12 East Ardsley Common Lane, Casson Ave08.15 Thorpe Station Lane08.18 East Ardsley Fall Lane, Queen Street08.22 East Ardsley Bay Horse, Royston Hill08.35 Woodkirk Academy

WA208.10 Batley Soothill Lane, Rouse Mill Lane08.25 Woodkirk Academy

L5308.20 Beeston Hill08.24 Tommy Wass08.34 Morley Fountain Inn08.43 Woodkirk Academy

AFTERNOONRoute No Monday to Thursday. (On Fridays, buses will be 1 hour earlier)

WA115.10 Woodkirk Academy15.23 East Ardsley Bradford Road, Brayshaw Road15.27 East Ardsley Fall Lane, Queen Street15.29 Thorpe Stanhope Road

WA2 15.10 Woodkirk Academy\15.27 Batley Rouse Mill Lane, Bradford Road

L53 15.08 Woodkirk, 15.28 Tommy Wass5.31 Beeston Hill


SERVICE BUSESThe following service buses also pass by or near to Woodkirk Academy48 Morley – Wigton Moor 85 Bramley – Leeds – Middleton – East Ardsley - Morley154 Rothwell – Middleton – Thorpe – East Ardsley – Westerton – Tingley - Morley202/203 Hudders�eld – Mir�eld – Dewsbury – Shaw Cross – Tingley – Leeds205 Dewsbury – Shaw Cross – Westerton – Morley - Pudsey425 Bradford – Driglington – Gildersome – Woodkirk Academy - Wake�eld

Please be aware that bus numbers and routes do change occasionally. We will tell students about any changes as soon as we are made aware of them. For full details of journeys and times, please visit www.wymetro.com or ring 0113 2457676 for service buses and www.generationm.co.uk for school buses.

Other useful numbers

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BUS USERS To access school transport, parents and students must read and sign the Code of Conduct in the school planner so that they agree to adhere to it.

BEFORE THE SCHOOL JOURNEY• Wait at the bus pick-up stop in an orderly, courteous and calm

manner.• Keep away from the kerb and well clear of other tra� c.• Keep clear of moving tra� c and other buses.• Only board the bus when it is stationary.

DURING THE SCHOOL JOURNEY• Treat the driver with respect and follow their instructions.• Use all available seats, including the top deck of the bus.• Stay in your seat and always use the seatbelt (if provided).• Do not distract the driver, except in an emergency.• Do not open the emergency exits unless in an emergency.• Treat other passengers with care and respect and not bully other

students.• Do not eat, drink or smoke on the bus.• Do not drop any litter.• Do not throw things on the bus or out of the bus window.• Do not vandalise the vehicle or other people’s property. If

damage to the bus has been reported, your parents may have to pay for the damage.

• If the bus breaks down or is in an accident, you should follow the driver’s instructions and stay with the bus until another one arrives.

• If you see other students behaving inappropriately, tell the driver or your Year Tutor.

AT THE END OF THE JOURNEY• Be careful not to get coats, bags or scarves caught in the doors.• Stand back from the road as the bus moves o� .• If you need to cross the road, only do so once the bus has moved

o� and the road is clear in both directions so you can see other vehicles and the drivers can see you.

• Only ring the bell when it’s your stop. If the bell has been rung, do not press the button again.

• Woodkirk Academy has specially trained Bus Monitors who assist the bus company in ensuring there is good behaviour on the bus. If they notice any failure to comply with the above requirements, this will be reported to school immediately.

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated and action will be taken if you do not follow these guidelines. In serious cases, or following the issuing of warnings, the school, in consultation with the bus company, reserves the right to suspend the use of school transport. Your parent will then be responsible for transporting you to and from school.

WA1 01924 205130 Operated by Arriva

WA2 01924 412206 Operated by Arriva

L53 (AM) 01423 325300 Operated by AA

L53 (PM) 0113 245 4691 Operated by CT Plus

48 0113 245 7676 Operated by First Leeds

154 01226 346 731 Operated by Stagecoach

205 0113 245 7676 Operated by Metro

Other 0113 348 1122 Education Transport


BICYCLE POLICYCycling has a positive impact on student well-being and Woodkirk Academy supports cycling as transportation as long as students live within cycling distance of the Academy.

The prime responsibility for transporting students to and from school rests with parents, not Woodkirk Academy. As school travel does not occur within ‘school hours’ or on Academy premises and as it does not involve supervision by Woodkirk Academy sta� , the Academy does not accept any legal liability for any accident or injury that occurs while cycling to and from school. The decision as to whether your son/daughter is competent to cycle to and from school rests solely with yourselves. Parents are advised to take out appropriate insurance cover as Woodkirk Academy’s insurance does not cover road accidents or loss or damage to bicycles on or o� school premises. We would also recommend you ensure your son/daughter has followed appropriate bicycle training or a similar safety course before riding to and from school. You can � nd further guidance on ‘Cycling Safety’ and ‘Walking and Cycling to School’ on the direct.gov.uk website and Leeds City Council’s.

In the interest of health and safety, Woodkirk Academy would prefer students who have been granted permission to bring their bicycle to school to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet.

Students who wish to bring their bicycles to school must complete and sign the Bicycle Policy page in their planner and show this at Student Services to enable a Bike Pass to be issued.

A bicycle can only be brought to and from school after such a pass has been issued. Woodkirk Academy expects parents to make students aware of the Woodkirk Academy Bicycle Policy and the safety reasons supporting the policy.

WOODKIRK ACADEMY SCHOOL BICYCLE RULES• No student is to bring a bicycle to Woodkirk Academy until a Bike

Pass has been issued. This should be kept in the school planner.• Bicycles brought to Woodkirk Academy by students must only

access by the Rein Road (front) student entrance/exit path or across the All Weather pitch to reach the exit on Scarborough Lane.

• Students are to dismount before entering Woodkirk Academy grounds and walk their bicycles. No riding of bicycles at any time is permitted in Woodkirk Academy grounds before, during or after school hours.

• It is strongly advised that students wear an approved bicycle safety helmet at all times when in control of their bicycle.

• Bicycles brought to Woodkirk Academy must be in a good, safe working order and must be � tted with working brakes.

• Bicycles should be single riders only and students should not allow others to ride with them on their bikes.

• Bicycles used in the winter months (i.e. outside British Summertime clock changes) must be equipped with appropriate head and tail lights before being brought onto Woodkirk Academy grounds.

• Bicycles are to be stored in the bike rack provided at the front of school. Bicycles must be locked with a chain/padlock or appropriate bicycle lock supplied by the bicycle owner.

• Bicycles and safety helmets are brought and stored on Woodkirk Academy grounds entirely at the owner’s risk.

• No students will be allowed near the bicycle racks during Woodkirk Academy hours without sta� permission. Only bicycle riders may go into the bicycle racks before and after school.

• Students should, under no circumstances, tamper in any way with another student’s bicycle, lock or helmet. A student found to have done this, particularly in a way which might endanger the user’s safety will be expected to pay for any damage caused and will have their Bike Pass withdrawn. School sanctions will be applied. For serious o� ences the police will be involved.

• Parents will be noti� ed if students do not adhere to Woodkirk Academy’s Bicycle Policy. This may lead to the student’s bike being locked by school sta� until parents can collect it or may lead to students being refused entry with their bicycle to Wodkirk Academy. If students persistently disobey the policy any permission will be withdrawn.

Please note that cycling to school cannot be used by a student as an excuse for late arrival. Parents should ensure that students are on time for school and that if their Bike Pass is withdrawn they have an alternative method of getting to school.


With the increased use of the internet in schools and in the home, it is essential that our students are encouraged to use it to help their learning but keep safe from the risks online. We aim to build in the use of these technologies to ensure students have the necessary skills to access life-long learning and employment. Mr Currie, Vice Principal, is the e-safety lead; you should report any e-safety concerns to him. Useful guides, checklists and policies can be found on the main Woodkirk Academy website under Parents/Behaviour & Safety.

You will also � nd a copy of the Internet Safety Acceptable Use Policy for Students in the student planner they receive in September. We kindly ask that you and your son/daughter sign and date this agreement.

THE EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND DISABILITY STEERING GROUP (EDDSG)The Equality, Diversity and Disability Steering Group (EDDSG) is continually strengthening its policies and practices implementing the Equality Act 2010 at Woodkirk Academy, as required by law. We ask you to kindly complete the Equality Act 2010 questionnaire which is included in the New Starter Pack and must be returned to Woodkirk Academy on Induction Day. This will enable us to meet any speci�c requirements you or family members may have when visiting Woodkirk Academy.

The aim of the EDDSG is to positively and proactively promote equality for all students, sta� parents and service users, and not to invade any individual’s privacy of contribute to any type of negative labelling. All information collected will be kept secure and your privacy will be respected at all times.

The only information we require is outlined on the form included in your Induction Pack. If you have any queries or concerns about this, please contact us.

HOME / WOODKIRK ACADEMY AGREEMENT POLICYWoodkirk Academy ask that you sign a Home/Woodkirk Academy Agreement. The aim of the agreement is to strengthen working in partnership with you to secure the best for your son/daughter. It includes: • expectation about the standards of education Woodkirk

Academy will provide;• the ethos of Woodkirk Academy;• regular and punctual attendance;• discipline;• homework;• the information Woodkirk Academy and parents will give to one

another; and• information on the posting of images or video footage on

internet sites.

We ask that both you and your son/daughter sign the agreement which is in the student planner they receive in September.

PRIVACY NOTICE FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIESThe categories of students’ information that we collect, hold and share include:• Personal information (such as name, photo, unique pupil number

and address).• Characteristics (such as ethnicity, language, nationality, country

of birth and free school meal eligibility).• Attendance information (such as sessions attended, number of

absences and absence reasons).• Assessment information (such as OPT reports, examination

results, She� eld Stats and OTrack).• Relevant medical information.•• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) information.• Behaviour information (such as exclusions and rewards).• Safeguarding information (as required).

E-SAFETY


WHY WE COLLECT AND USE THIS INFORMATIONWe use the student data:• To support student learning.• To monitor and report on student progress.• To provide appropriate pastoral care.• To safeguard students.• To assess the quality of our services.• To comply with the law regarding data sharing.• To promote the Academy.

THE LAWFUL BASIS ON WHICH WE USE THIS INFORMATIONWe collect and use information about students and their families in order to meet legal requirements and legitimate interests set out in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK law, including those in relation to the following:

Article 6 and Article 9 of the GDPR.Education Act 1996.Regulation 5 of the Education (Information About Individual Pupils) (England) Regulations 2013.

COLLECTING STUDENT INFORMATIONWhilst the majority of student information you provide to us is mandatory, some of it is provided to us on a voluntary basis. In order to comply with GDPR and UK law, we will inform you whether you are required to provide certain student information to us or if you have a choice in this.

STORING STUDENT DATAWe hold student data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy.

WHO WE ROUTINELY SHARE STUDENT INFORMATION WITH:• Schools that a student attends after leaving us• Other schools within the Leodis Academies Trust (including

agencies via Leodis Support Services)• Colleges• Local authorities• Department for Education (DfE)• Health professionals and agencies including the NHS• Police

WHY WE SHARE STUDENT INFORMATIONWe do not share information about our students with anyone without consent unless the law and our policies allow us to do so.

We share student data with the Department for Education (DfE) on a statutory basis. This data sharing underpins school funding and educational attainment policy and monitoring.

We are required to share information about our students with the (DfE) under regulation 5 of The Education (Information About Individual Pupils) (England) Regulations 2013.

DATA COLLECTION REQUIREMENTSTo �nd out more about the data collection requirements placed on us by the Department for Education (for example; via the school census) go tohttps://www.gov.uk/education/data-collection-and-censuses-for-schools

YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICESStudents aged 13+Once our students reach the age of 13, we also pass student information to our local authority and / or provider of youth support services as they have responsibilities in relation to the education or training of 13-19 year olds under section 507B of the Education Act 1996.

This enables them to provide services as follows:• youth support services• careers advisersA parent or guardian can request that only their son/daughter’s name, address and date of birth is passed to their local authority or provider of youth support services by informing us. This right is transferred to the student once he/she reaches the age 16.

Students aged 16+We will also share certain information about students aged 16+ with our local authority and / or provider of youth support services as they have responsibilities in relation to the education or training of 13-19 year olds under section 507B of the Education Act 1996.

This enables them to provide services as follows:• post-16 education and training providers• youth support services• careers advisersFor more information about services for young people, please visit our local authority website.


The NPD is owned and managed by the Department for Education and contains information about students in schools in England. It provides invaluable evidence on educational performance to inform independent research, as well as studies commissioned by the Department. It is held in electronic format for statistical purposes. This information is securely collected from a range of sources including schools, local authorities and awarding bodies.

We are required by law, to provide information about our students to the DfE as part of statutory data collections such as the school census and early years’ census. Some of this information is then stored in the NPD. The law that allows this is the Education (Information About Individual Pupils) (England) Regulations 2013.

To � nd out more about the NPD, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-pupil- database-user-guide-and-supporting-information.

The Department may share information about students from the NPD with third parties who promote the education or well-being of children in England by:• onducting research or analysis• producing statistics• providing information, advice or guidance

The Department has robust processes in place to ensure the con� dentiality of data is maintained and there are stringent controls in place regarding access and use of the data. Decisions on whether DfE releases data to third parties are subject to a strict approval process and based on a detailed assessment of:• who is requesting the data• the purpose for which it is required• the level and sensitivity of data requested; and • the arrangements in place to store and handle the data

To be granted access to student information, organisations must comply with strict terms and conditions covering the con� dentiality and handling of the data, security arrangements and retention and use of the data. For more information about the department’s data sharing process, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/data-protection-how-we-collect-and-share-research-data

For information about which organisations the Department has provided student information, (and for which project), please visit the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-pupil-database-requests-received

To contact DfE: https://www.gov.uk/contact-dfe

REQUESTING ACCESS TO YOUR PERSONAL DATA

Under data protection legislation, parents and students have the right to request access to information about them that we hold. To make a request for your personal information, or be

given access to your son/daughter’s educational record, contact [email protected]

You also have the right to:• object to processing of personal data that is likely to cause, or is

causing, damage or distress• prevent processing for the purpose of direct marketing• object to decisions being taken by automated means• in certain circumstances, have inaccurate personal data recti� ed,

blocked, erased or destroyed; and• claim compensation for damages caused by a breach of the Data

Protection regulations If you have a concern about the way we are collecting or using your personal data, we request that you raise your concern with us in the � rst instance. Alternatively, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s O� ce at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/

CONTACTIf you would like to discuss anything in this privacy notice, please contact:[email protected]

THE NATIONAL STUDENT DATABASE (NPD)


WOODKIRK ACADEMY IS A MEMBER OF LEODIS ACADEMIES TRUST

MEMBERS TRUSTEESSteve Rose Steve Rose (Chair)Steve Alleston Ian West (Vice Chair)Nigel Bilton Rebecca GanzRichard Charlston Dave LesterTony Grayson Nicholas O’Donovan Colin Stribley

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAMMrs J Barton BMus MA, NPQH PrincipalMr T Jones BSc Associate PrincipalMrs L Co�ey BSc, NPQH Vice Principal/Teaching & Learning & CareersMr N Cook BA Vice Principal/Behaviour and Safety Years 7, 8 & 9Mr D Currie BEd Vice Principal/Behaviour and Safety Years 10 & 11Mr R Jackson BA Vice Principal/Quality of Education KS4Mr P J Lowe BA, NPQH Vice Principal/Quality of Education KS3Mrs D McNab BSc Vice Principal/Curriculum & Sta�ngMr M Warwick-Giles BSc Vice Principal/Quality of Education KS5 & Data

SCHOOL GOVERNORSMr S Alleston (Chair) Mr A Grayson Mrs J LumbMr R Aiston (Vice Chair) Mrs K Grey Mr R NaglisMrs J Barton Mr D Hughes Mr R NaglisMr G Beacon Mr A Lazarus Mrs J StandageCllr J Elliott Mrs E Lester Mr S Whittingham

Rein Road | Tingley | Wake�eld | WF3 1JQ0113 887 3600www.woodkirkacademy.co.uk

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